The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, distributed the sum of around €35,000 (Lm15,000) to more than 110 Gozitan non-governmental organisations, on Friday. This financial assistance is possible due to a scheme launched by the Ministry for Gozo to assist non governmental organisations operating from and in Gozo.

Speaking during the event, Minister Debono said that Government recognises the pivotal role non-governmental organisations play in the social development of our society. Run by volunteers who selflessly invest their own time and money in the organisation of various activities, local NGOs are able to offer their services to the general public, with activities ranging from the cultural to the philanthropic.

Minister Debono referred to the Ministry for Gozo’s initiatives in this area especially through the setting up of the NGO Centre in Xewkija in 1999, followed by the initiative to promote the setting up of the Gozo NGOs Association in 2003 which has just launched its website to further promote and publicise voluntary work in Gozo – www.gozo-ngos.org. Referring to initiatives taken on a national level, Minister Debono also mentioned that in recent weeks Government enacted the first Law for Voluntary Organisations and appointed the first Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

Minister Debono thanked members of the Gozo Non-Governmental Organisations Association for their dedication and encouraged them to persist in their efforts towards a strong voluntary sector in Gozo. The Gozo NGOs Association held its fourth Annual General Meeting on the same occasion.